You wake up to a gold autumn sunrise illuminating the rich foliage outdoors, only just beginning to hint at the winter ahead. You tread to the kitchen in your flannel pajamas, where your happy family will soon join you, to make yourself a steaming cup of coffee and flip on the parade before preparing the turkey with the finesse of Julia Childs. Later in the afternoon, you’ll greet guests at your wreath-clad front door dressed in a new sweater. The food will be beautifully arranged on a table set for a crowd, and everyone will relish in each other’s company and the delicious meal.

Sound familiar? Probably not.

For most families, Thanksgiving Day resembles a kindergarten classroom more than a Norman Rockwell painting. Food is burning. Kids are breaking rules (and things). Someone’s feelings are hurt. You wake up before the sun but you’re still running late.

Is there a way for the reality around us to be congruent with the picture perfect Instagram photos we’ll share later?

There is. It begins with forgetting about that Instagram post and embracing the present.

Like any family affair, being swept away in the hectic mornings, the Pinterest projection of perfection, and the pressure to keep up appearances is all too easy during the holidays. Consider that a quiet morning spent in the presence of the Lord, mismatched paper plates, and a tinge of chaos is just as special as the serene scene portrayed in Stauffer’s latest Thanksgiving advertisement. Seen through the right lenses, all the imperfections are made beautiful.

As you go through Thanksgiving Day preparations, reflect on your lenses. Are you viewing the occasion with an outlook of honoring things or an outlook of honoring God? An opportunity to reflect the Gospel in joyful fellowship and gracious hearts, set aside idealistic standards and instead kneel at the foot of the cross.

Today and every day belong to God. The pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce and everything in between are not meant to be perfect, just His. Let your Thanksgiving reflect an outpouring of the love you have received, and the opportunity to celebrate that love together.